Controversies still surround the medical benefits of CBD up to these days. We have been taught since we were younger that cannabis or marijuana is highly hazardous to our health. However, evidence shows that cannabis consumption for medicinal purposes traces back to ancient times. In the United States, almost all states have legalized the use of CBD, leading to more health stores stocking their shelves of CBD edibles and other CBD products to meet buyers’ demands. They claim that it can help treat a lot of mental and medical illnesses, including anxiety.
But before we talk about the role of CBD for anxiety, let’s dig deeper into what anxiety disorders really are.
First Things First, What Are Anxiety Disorders?
Anxiety is a typical reaction of our bodies to stress. In fact, it’s advantageous in some instances, alerting and helping us get ready for possible danger ahead. Every one of us experiences occasional anxiety. For example, when there are problems at work or before a job interview. That’s fine. However, anxiety disorders are different.
Anxiety disorders are common mental conditions that people experience, which involve extreme fear, worry, dread, and nervousness. When it becomes intense, it causes continuous fear and prevents you from doing things you used to enjoy. Sometimes, it even makes you afraid of going into an elevator, crossing the street, or leaving your home.
Major types of anxiety are:
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic disorder
- Social phobia or Social anxiety disorder
What Is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is a type of chemical called cannabinoid – known to be naturally present in cannabis or marijuana plants. It’s one of the most common active ingredients used in CBD products extracted from hemp. Compared to another type of cannabinoid called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not make you “high” or intoxicated.
With CBD products trending in the market, makers are now adding and infusing CBD in multiple different applications. In short, it’s getting added to anything and everything.
List of Some CBD Products
1. Edibles (chocolates, gummies, hard candies, mac and cheese, lollipop, hummus, cakes, honey, jelly beans, cereal, cheese puffs, mustard, olive oil, coconut oil, gum, etc.)
2. Smoking (vaping, flowers/joints, etc.)
3. Beverages (seltzer/sparkling water, coffee, soda, beer, water, k-cups, cocktails, energy drink, tea).
4. Supplements (inhaler, tincture/drops, patch, green superfood supplements, post-workout recovery drink, shatter/isolates, suppositories, capsules/softgels, etc.)
5. Body Care (massage oil, intimate lube, face oil, bath bombs and soaks, lotion, hand cream, balm, face mask, body scrub, eye serum, face moisturizers, beard balm, deodorant, etc.)
6. Pet Products (pet tincture, pet tropicals, pet treats).
How Does CBD Work?
CBD has long been clinically used to treat kids with seizures. But promising preliminary data suggests that it can also help with many health conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, schizophrenia, cancer, pain, inflammatory diseases, substance use disorders, etc.
In addition, research reveals that increased serotonin levels can aid in treating anxiety. Also called the “happy chemical,” serotonin is a chemical in the brain controlling mood, digestion, sleep, feeling of happiness, and more. Low levels of serotonin can trigger stress and depression, sleep trouble, and anxiety. CBD is believed to function by increasing serotonin levels, like how antidepressants work.
What Do Studies Say About CBD and Anxiety?
A 2019 study used CBD to treat individuals with anxiety and sleep troubles. They learned that almost 80% of these people’s anxiety improved while nearly 70% reported that their sleep problems got better, both in two months.
In another study in the same year, 91% among 11 patients with PTSD experienced decreased symptoms after taking CBD.
Furthermore, a review of 49 studies in 2015 found evidence that CBD could aid in panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
To Sum Up
Though studies are gradually exposing that CBD can help deal with a vast range of diseases, keep in mind that it is not a “magic cure.” Besides, we need more research to prove its efficacy and whether it’s safe for many health conditions.
While it’s easy to buy CBD products, be aware that it’s not well regulated. Meaning, the active ingredients and amounts described on the bottle might not be the same as what’s inside. Most importantly, know the CBD laws in your state or country before buying.
If you’re on the hunt for trustworthy CBD products suppliers, you might want to check out Birch+Fog CBD products. They sell a variety of products, including their most popular appetizing CBD edibles.